Obama's day: Ukraine, Poland and the G-7

Jun. 4, 2014
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President Obama / Charles Dharapak, AP

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

President Obama continues his European trip Wednesday by celebrating the 25th anniversary of a free Poland and dealing with the challenges of Russia and Ukraine.

Starting his day in Warsaw, Obama holds his first face-to-face meeting with Ukraine President-elect Petro Poroshenko.

The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to help Ukraine's economy, as well as Russia's annexation of the Crimea region and ongoing separatist violence in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Later in the day, Obama is scheduled to give a speech at the commemoration of Polish Freedom Day, marking the 25th anniversary of free elections that helped break up the Soviet Union and end the Cold War.

Obama arrived in Warsaw on Tuesday, starting a trip designed to show U.S. solidarity with European allies who are worried about Russia's territorial ambitions. The president proposed a $1 billion package in new military aid for NATO and European allies, particularly those located close to Russia.

After his speech in Poland, Obama heads to Brussels for a start of a Group of Seven summit that will also deal with Russia and Ukraine.

After meetings with King Philippe of Belgium, Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, and European Union leaders, Obama heads to a working dinner with other G-7 leaders from Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Japan.